Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day

Written by Brooke Kochanski | Jan 23, 2026 2:38:04 PM

Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day
January 23, 2026

Today, we proudly celebrate Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day™, honoring the individuals who ensure healthcare providers remain informed, skilled, and prepared to deliver exceptional care.

At the Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC) and Office of Continuing Medical Education (OCME) of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, our continuing education professionals play a vital role in supporting lifelong learning. They design and deliver high‑quality, evidence-based programs that strengthen patient care and elevate healthcare across our communities.

This work is fueled by strong partnerships - across health systems, academic institutions, professional associations, and community organizations. These collaborations allow us to create meaningful educational experiences that meet the needs of today’s healthcare workforce.

When we asked our partners to describe Northwest AHEC/OCME in one word, three themes rose above the rest:
Collaboration. Commitment. Excellence.

Today, we also celebrate our exceptional team - many of whom bring decades of experience to their roles. Their dedication, expertise, and service continue to shape healthcare education across our region.

Northwest AHEC / OCME Service Milestones

(Years of service as of 2026)

Leigh Watkins – 42 years
Marie Simos – 38 years
Ellen Kesler – 34 years
Angela Hodges – 31 years
Michael Lischke – 30 years
Chris Jones – 24 years
Lee Howard – 23 years
Andrew Brewer – 20 years
Nedra Edwards Hines – 20 years
Amy Basham – 19 years
Michelle Adams – 16 years
Medina Wilson – 15 years
Michael Hulme – 15 years
Reed Burger – 14 years
Melanee Mills – 12 years

Gail Pawlik – 12 years
Christina Clarke – 12 years
Jasmine Mickens – 11 years
Janice Moore – 11 years
Lindsey MacLean – 9 years
Amanda Pearson – 7 years
Brooke Kochanski – 6 years
Alana Dodson – 5 years
Ellen Zimmerman – 5 years
Samantha Garvens – 5 years
Lisa Thomas – 5 years
Lara Dickerson – 4 years
Cherelle Blakley – 4 years
Stephanie Yoder Poindexter – 3 years
Megan Mills Anderson – 2 years

✨ Their dedication strengthens every program we develop, every partnership we nurture, and every learner we support.

Learn more about our full team:
https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/staff

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